Florida Auto Insurance Requirements: No-Fault Coverage Explained (2025)

Quick Answer: Florida Minimum Auto Insurance

Florida requires all drivers to carry both liability and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. As a no-fault state, Florida has unique insurance rules:

Florida is one of only two states that doesn't require bodily injury liability coverage—a significant gap that leaves many drivers financially exposed.

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Understanding Florida's No-Fault Insurance System

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, which works differently than most states:

How No-Fault Works

1. Your own insurance pays first regardless of who caused the accident
2. PIP covers your injuries up to policy limits
3. You cannot sue for minor injuries (unless threshold met)
4. Each driver's insurance handles their own medical bills initially

The Serious Injury Threshold

You can only sue the at-fault driver if injuries meet Florida's threshold:

• Significant and permanent loss of bodily function
• Permanent injury within medical probability
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Death

Minor injuries like soft tissue damage typically can't result in lawsuits—your PIP is your only coverage.

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What Florida Law Actually Requires

Under Florida Statute 627.733, registered vehicle owners must carry:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - $10,000

PIP covers you regardless of fault:

• 80% of medical expenses up to $10,000
• 60% of lost wages if you can't work
• Death benefits up to $5,000
• Covers you, household members, and passengers

Important PIP Rules:

• Must seek medical treatment within 14 days of accident
• Coverage limited to $2,500 if injuries aren't "emergency medical conditions"
• Applies regardless of who caused the accident

Property Damage Liability (PDL) - $10,000

PDL covers damage you cause to others:

• Other vehicles you hit
• Buildings, fences, property
• Does NOT cover your own vehicle damage

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Florida's Dangerous Coverage Gap

Florida's minimum requirements create a significant problem:

What's Missing: Bodily Injury Liability

Unlike 48 other states, Florida doesn't require bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage. This means:

Real-World Consequences

Example: You run a red light and seriously injure another driver.

• Their medical bills: $85,000
• Your required coverage: $0 for their injuries
• Your liability: $85,000+ out of pocket
• Result: Lawsuit, wage garnishment, asset seizure

Why Florida Allows This

Florida lawmakers assumed:

• PIP would cover most injuries
• No-fault would reduce lawsuits
• Minimum requirements would be affordable

Reality: The system leaves drivers exposed and injured parties uncompensated.

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Recommended Coverage for Florida Drivers

Insurance experts strongly recommend exceeding Florida's minimums:

Minimum Recommended: Add Bodily Injury Liability

Better Protection: 100/300/100

Critical Additional Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

• ~20% of Florida drivers are uninsured or underinsured
• Covers your injuries when hit by uninsured drivers
• Florida law requires insurers to offer this
• Strongly recommended given Florida's weak minimums

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Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Florida

First Offense

Second Offense (within 3 years)

At-Fault Accident While Uninsured

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Florida's FR-44 Requirement

Florida requires FR-44 (not SR-22) for certain violations:

What Triggers FR-44

• DUI/DWI conviction
• Certain drug-related driving offenses
• Driving under the influence of controlled substances

FR-44 Requirements

Note: FR-44 requires much higher coverage than standard minimums.

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Florida-Specific Insurance Rules

14-Day PIP Treatment Rule

Florida law requires:

• Initial medical treatment within 14 days of accident
• Treatment must be from qualified medical provider
• Missing this deadline can void PIP coverage
• Emergency conditions receive full $10,000 coverage
• Non-emergency limited to $2,500

Electronic Proof of Insurance

Florida accepts digital proof:

• Insurance apps on smartphones
• PDF of insurance card
• Must be current and readable

Insurance Verification System

Florida uses electronic monitoring:

• Insurers report coverage to state database
• Lapses trigger automatic DMV notification
• Registration suspension follows uninsured status

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How Much Does Florida Auto Insurance Cost?

Florida has some of the highest insurance rates in the country:

Why Florida Insurance Is Expensive

• High uninsured rate: ~20% of drivers uninsured
• Fraud prevalence: Florida has significant PIP fraud
• Weather risks: Hurricanes, flooding, hail
• Population density: High traffic, more accidents
• No-fault system: Higher claim rates
• Litigation: High rate of insurance lawsuits

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida require bodily injury liability coverage?

No. Florida only requires PIP ($10,000) and PDL ($10,000). However, lacking bodily injury coverage leaves you personally liable if you injure someone. Most insurance professionals strongly recommend adding BIL coverage.

What's the difference between SR-22 and FR-44?

FR-44 is Florida's version of SR-22 but requires much higher coverage limits. FR-44 requires 100/300/50 coverage, while SR-22 in other states typically requires only state minimums. FR-44 is triggered by DUI and certain drug offenses.

Can I drive in Florida with out-of-state insurance?

Visitors can drive with valid out-of-state insurance. However, if you become a Florida resident, you must obtain Florida insurance within 10 days of registering your vehicle or within 90 days of employment.

What happens if someone hits me and they're uninsured?

Your PIP covers your medical expenses up to $10,000 regardless of fault. Beyond that, you'd need uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to receive compensation. Without UM, you'd have to sue the at-fault driver personally.

Is PIP coverage still required if I have health insurance?

Yes. Health insurance doesn't satisfy Florida's PIP requirement. You must carry PIP coverage even if you have comprehensive health coverage through an employer or marketplace plan.

How do I reinstate my license after insurance lapse?

You must:

1. Obtain valid insurance meeting minimums
2. Have insurer file electronic verification
3. Pay reinstatement fees ($150-$500)
4. Pay any outstanding fines
5. Possibly file FR-44 if DUI involved

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Key Takeaways

• Florida requires PIP ($10,000) and PDL ($10,000) only
• No bodily injury liability required—a dangerous gap
• No-fault state: Your PIP pays your medical bills first
• 14-day rule: Must seek treatment within 14 days for PIP coverage
• FR-44 for DUI: Requires 100/300/50 coverage for 3 years
• ~20% uninsured rate: UM/UIM coverage highly recommended
• Add bodily injury: At least 25/50 recommended, 100/300 preferred

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Florida auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with the Florida DMV and Department of Financial Services. Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: November 2025

Sources: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida Statutes Chapter 627, Florida Department of Financial Services